Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Overcome Immunotherapy Resistance

Technology Description

Application

This therapeutic approach focuses on a novel immune population of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment. Leveraging a pharmaceutical composition comprising a binding agent, such as an antibody or aptamer, this technology specifically targets this population of TAMs that are enriched in immunotherapy-resistant tumors. The binding agent can be directly or indirectly conjugated to a cytotoxic moiety, enabling selective elimination of TAMs via an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). By disrupting TAM-mediated immune suppression, this approach represents a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy, particularly for tumors resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB).

Competitive Advantages:

• Novel Mechanism of Action: Unlike traditional immunotherapy approaches that focus on lymphocytes, this technology targets a specific population of TAMs, a previously underexplored immune population critical to immune evasion.
• Broad Applicability: Demonstrated efficacy across multiple tumor types, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, particularly in cases resistant to current immunotherapies.
• Enhanced Tumor Microenvironment Modulation: Selective targeting of tolerogenic macrophages disrupts the immune-suppressive niche, improving tumor clearance without reliance on lymphocyte activation.
• Strong Preclinical Evidence: In vitro and in vivo studies validate the therapeutic potential of TAM ablation to significantly reduce tumor growth, independent of immune checkpoint blockade.

Stage of Development

Preclinical.  

Related Materials

Patent Status

Patent Pending